Expert: David Silver - 6/14/2006

Question
Hello- I have aquired my grandfather's camera collection.  I am trying to sell the items for my grandmother for her living expenses.  Usually I have been able to find direct information and/or an estimated value for the items he has but I am having a hard time with a few.  Id like to know a year range produced and a guess of what I should expect to get from a sale of these lenses.  The first is a Carl Zeiss Jena Nr 539782 Tessar 1:4,5 f=15 cm.  The second is a Carl Zeiss Jena Nr. 1916145 Tessar 1:2,8 f=7,5cm.  The third is a C.P. Goerz AM OPT. CO. 6 IN F:6.8 No 782165.  And last is a Turner-Reich ANAST. F:6.8 SER. II 202429 GUNDLACH MANUFACTURING CORP. FAIRPORT N.Y. 3 1/4 X 4 1/4.  I have many different brands of lenses and filters that are all very old and I would like to know if there is any guide that gets that specific? I have purchased a Leica guide but it was not that helpful.  Thank you so much for your time & energy.  Heather

Answer
Hello Heather,

I'm afraid your questions beget more questions!

The most important thing I need to know is whether these lenses are mounted in shutters (in which case the value also depends on exactly what shutters and their functionality) or are they simple barrel lenses?  At this point I can tell you the 15cm f4.5 Tessar is from 1922 and the 7.5cm f2.8 Tessar is from 1937, but are they complete lenses or "spare parts" salvaged from broken cameras?  The Goerz lens most likely dates from the 1910's-1920's (since it's also marked American Optical Company), and I'd guess it is actually a Dagor (a very nice hunk of glass if it is), but this lens can come in several different configurations.  And the Turner Reich may be valuable if it's a triple convertible formula, otherwise it's a paperweight.

Of course, the easiest way for me to figure all of this out is if I saw a picture of them, but I have other worries...

You mention getting a "Leica guide" to help you, so I would hazard to guess you're selling some Leica lenses as well, but THAT is the area where you really should be asking my help.  I'm afraid there are no general guides for vintage lenses, and for Leica lenses in particular the information out there is terribly misleading.  If you also have any Leica cameras, it's a rocky road out there and you shouldn't be walking it alone!

Ah, the simple fact that you're concerned about finding a guide to filters tells me that you might be in over your head.  Filters are usually worthless.  Cameras and lenses must be your first concern.  Leave the accessories for later.

Heather, I have a feeling you need help with a lot more than just these four lenses.  Let's take this discussion off the AllExperts system, and please contact me directly through my personal e-mail <silver@well.com> where you can also send small JPEG images if you'd like.  I can help you sort through everything your grandfather had, and recommend the best way to sell for the maximum return.  Let's make sure your grandmother gets the most she can, and I'll gladly make sure you do so with the minimum amount of stress and effort.

Best wishes,

David Silver